Olga and I watched “The Pledge” on DVD. The cover got all my attention with names like Jack Nicholson, Benicio Del Toro, and Mickey Rourke all over it. I immidiately wanted to watch it.
When the film started I had a strong feeling of deja vu. I knew every scene, but I never could say what will happen next or what else is there in the movie. It’s deep into the second half of it when I realized that I’ve seen it. It is one of my favourites from the passive memory flicks. No matter what IMDB says about this film – it is a very strong drama. I also very much enjoy how symbolical the whole film is. Every frame can be watched separately, kind of like a photograph, and each frame will have a story just within it. Great work there!
Basically, Nicholson plays the main role in the movie and he has most of the screen time. He is excellent as usual, although his make-up is kind of original. He looks very casual. Kind of like everyone else. There is no focus on him what-so-ever. Actually, sometimes in the beginning of the movie it is even difficult to say if it is him or not. As story unfolds, it is, of course, impossible to make a mistake.
Another great acting part was done by Del Toro. His part is kind of short, but it looks very realistic and, well… dramatic.
The film is a little long and slow paced at 123 minutes (just over 2 hours), but if you enjoy compressed and defragmented camera work and composition – that’s you film. Overall, I would rate as a strong 8 out of 10. It does lean towards the 9 a lot.
You watched this movie with me. :) I have a DVD.
[1] Probably I half-slept through it last time. :)